| GOYAR: Get Off Your Ass And Ride |  |
The Great Divide Mountain Bike Ride (GDR) extends 2460 miles from Roosville, Montana to Antelope Wells, New Mexico along the Continental Divide. It is the longest mountain bike route in the world. Neal hatched the concept of riding the GDR last summer as a way to scratch a mid-life itch. He loved mountain biking and loved being in the backcountry and wanted to spend a good, long time getting even more connected to both. He knew, given my background in long distance rides and interest in mountain biking, that I would be an easy target to get on board. He was, of course, very right. Then, after several Guinness, GOYAR was born.  Both Neal and I have a strong appreciation for wild and domestic animals. Neal is an expert in Animal Law, teaching the subject at the DePaul University College of Law in Chicago. Many conversations led to the realization that the most effective way to help cure the horrific and inhumane treatment of animals is to raise awareness about the issue through direct contact with our audience. Although many people are members of a variety of humane organizations, both locally and nationally, not many people actually go out of their way to see and feel the issues first hand. We want to change that. Our goal through GOYAR is to encourage people to become more actively involved and recognize the current state of animal welfare for themselves, also seeing the harmful consequences of inaction and apathy. Turning the cheek is simply not the answer. Although more helpful, writing a check and then turning the cheek is still not enough. If more people would look up close at the effects of our intrusion into wild habitats, the treatment of livestock utilized for food, the current state of our agricultural practices and the overpopulation of dogs and cats in local shelters, then and only then will the problem begin to heal itself. These are just some of the issues that we as a society face in today's world. Change can only happen through education and motivation.
Conceptually, taking the time to experience some of the most pristine wilderness this country has to offer while tackling the physical and mental challenges of riding 2500 miles through the mountains was something both of us found to be irresistible. Making the goal even more fulfilling, though, is the opportunity to convey a message regarding a worthy cause. We are looking to raise awareness and of course funds for our Partner organizations. In addition to reading the information on our site, the sites of our Partners, joining us in Breckenridge for the mid-ride party , or creating your own backcountry adventure to see wildlife up close and personal, we are asking that you make a donation directly to the humane organization of your choice on a per-mile basis. We are not a 501(c)(3) organization and will not accept donations directly. All money donated will be paid directly to and will be exclusively for the benefit of an organization selected by you, the donor. That is our story. We hope you will come back to this site regularly and check on our progress as well as visit our sponsors' sites to check out the great products and services they offer. There is a great deal to offer on this site and, more importantly, out in the wilderness so Get Off Your Ass and Ride!
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Happening in tandem with the GDR planning was Neal's creation of The Skan Project. The Skan Project advises Fortune 500 companies on how to embrace the humane treatment of animals while maintaining or even increasing profitability. Animal law and the identification of animal welfare issues are quickly emerging into mainstream consciousness. Yet understanding and harnessing the issues presented by modern legislation, litigation and public opinion is something that large-scale enterprises have yet to accomplish. Many large companies are struggling to find a balance between the creation of sustainable business practices that benefit both wild and domestic animals as well as the animals of Wall Street and Board Rooms. Neal saw a unique opportunity to connect these concepts in a universal awareness campaign. GOYAR is the platform for this campaign.